“The government must take advantage of the collective public support in the fight against corruption to tackle pervasive corruption in Ghana,” the centre stressed.

The CDD made the call at this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, which was commemorated under the theme, ‘United against corruption for development, peace and security.’
It advocated for resilient collaborative efforts by all sectors of the economy to eliminate corruption.

Accordingly, the CDD urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight and create a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

“The Centre realises government’s commitment to fighting corruption goes beyond the rhetoric, the mere setting-up of institutions and enactment of laws.

“While we recognise weaknesses in some existing anti-corruption legislations, the Centre is of the view that sufficiently resourcing existing public anti-corruption institutions, such as the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), Auditor-General’s Office, State Prosecution Department, and the recently enacted Special Prosecutor’s Office will go a long way.

“Strengthening their independence and having leadership with integrity for these institutions can lead to significant progress in the fight against corruption in Ghana.

“The Centre believes that government’s ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ agenda and the mission of achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can only be met if resources are not plundered for private gains and that public institutions are transparent and accountable.

“The latest Afrobarometer Survey, 2017 revealed that 64 per cent of Ghanaians want corrupt officials prosecuted, stolen monies recovered and offenders named and shamed.

“This is a clear indication that citizens are united in their views for corrupt officials to be punished and looted resources retrieved and called on the government and all anti-graft state institutions to be cognisant of the willingness of Ghanaians to fight corruption and put mechanisms in place to empower citizens to voice out.

“The Centre will continue to work with its partners to unearth and magnify cases of corruption, educate the public, advocate stiffer punishments for officials who engage in corruption and present policy guides to aid stakeholders demand for accountability in the fight against corruption.

“We believe that we can unite in our collective quest to address the growing menace of corruption in our society so as to channel national resources to propel development,” the CDD indicated.